International Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23 across the world every year. This day marks the importance of sports and fitness in our daily lives and also promotes the participation of an individual in games and sports, irrespective of age, race, gender, caste or religion.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formed in the year 1894, and it is commemorated on International Olympic Day. This committee focuses on inspiring people all around the world to be their best selves.
The Olympic Day was inaugurated on June 23, 1948, at that time nine countries – Portugal, Greece, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela and Belgium, participated in Olympics.
Jacques Rogge, IOC President at that time, sent out a message to the young people around the world and encouraged them to participate in sports and fitness.
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THEME of International Olympic Day 2021:
This year, the theme of International Olympic Day is – “Stay healthy, stay strong, stay active with the Olympic Day workout on June 23.”
This year the Olympic organization has created a brand new home exercise video featuring Olympics competitors in the run-up to Olympic Day. Athletes featured in the video are Laurie Hernandez of the United Stated, Martin Fourcade of Canada, Lutalo Muhammad of Taekwondo, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and Tongan Pita Taufatofua.
SIGNIFICANCE of International Olympic Day:
Olympians from all over the world have inspired people with their enthusiasm and positivity. Olympics Day is something more than just a sports event. It is based on three pillars – ‘move’, ‘learn’ and ‘discover’.
The Olympics provide a fantastic international ground for athletes. It gives an excellent opportunity for athletes around the world to compete against athletes of a similar level on the international stage.
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HISTORY of International Olympic Day:
The first International Olympic Day was celebrated in the year 1947. At the 41st session of the International Olympics Committee in Stockholm, Dr Josef Gruss, a Czech IOC member, was the one who proposed the concept of World Olympic Day. He suggested everything about the Olympics and its rings.
After a few months, Dr Gruss’s idea was approved at the 42nd IOC session in Switzerland. The International Olympic Committee was formed on the same day in Paris, in 1894, and later, June 23 was chosen as the International Olympic Day.